If She Wants to Be with Wine More Than Me, Is That Being Unfaithful?

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Written by: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Known as America's Relationship Expert, Dr. Wendy Walsh is an award-winning television journalist, radio host & podcaster, and the author of three books on relationships and thousands of print and digital articles. More than 1.5 million people follow her sage advice on social media. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and teaches in the Psychology Department at California State University Channel Islands and has been the host of "The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show" on iHeart Radio's KFI AM 640 since 2015. Walsh is also a former Emmy-nominated co-host of "The Doctors," as well as former host of the nationally syndicated show "EXTRA." She was named a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2017 after speaking out about harassment at a major news network.

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Edited by: Lillian Castro

Lillian Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of journalism experience to ensure DatingAdvice articles have been edited for overall clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, The Gwinnett Daily News, and The Gainesville Sun covering lifestyle topics.

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Reader Question:

I have been married for just under 15 years, but for the last 10 years, she has been abusing alcohol. She has been in two accidents while under the influence, and she has been to suicide watch several times.

If she wants to be with her wine more than me, would you consider that being unfaithful?

-Harvey (New Mexico)

Dr. Wendy Walsh’s Answer:

Yes. She needs an intervention followed by strong consequences. If she doesn’t go to AA meetings and stay clean, she’s out.

But remember that leaving the relationship can put her in great danger if it triggers a binge. Don’t fully abandon her. Make sure you support her in her recovery while maintaining boundaries.

Enlist family members and professionals to help you. You are hurting her more by enabling her behavior.


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